Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood has appointed Dr. Nathan Balasubramanian as the district’s new chief academic officer.
Balasubramanian brings more than 30 years of experience leading PreK-12 educational systems to the district.
His career spans roles from classroom physics teacher to senior executive cabinet leader, with a focus on data-informed instruction, curriculum alignment, and measurable student performance.
“I’m humbled and honored to join Jefferson County Public Schools and serve its students, families, educators, and community,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside teachers, principals, assistant superintendents, district leaders, and community partners to ensure every JCPS student has the opportunity to think, learn, grow, and thrive.”
Balasubramanian previously served as executive director of strategy and continuous improvement in Florida’s Broward County Public Schools—the nation’s sixth-largest school district, serving more than 270,000 students. In that role, he led enterprise strategy, assessment, and research.
During his tenure, the district achieved record four-year federal graduation rates, expanded Advanced Placement and SAT participation, and established student growth frameworks in literacy and mathematics.
“Dr. Nathan Balasubramanian brings the exact blend of academic rigor, strategic insight, and passion for student achievement that our district needs at this pivotal moment,” Yearwood said. “His deep focus on empowering teachers and fostering engaging, high-quality learning environments will accelerate academic growth across all of our schools. I am confident his leadership will make a lasting positive impact on our entire school community.”
Balasubramanian’s leadership experience also includes serving as executive director of school improvement and accountability at Manor Independent School District in Texas, interim superintendent of schools for George Gervin Academy, director of school accountability and accreditation for Thompson Public Schools in Colorado, and director of analysis and assessment for Centennial BOCES.
Most recently, as president and CEO of iLearn, LLC, he has advised school boards and executive teams across the country on building sustainable accountability systems and closing achievement gaps.
Balasubramanian holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation from the University of Colorado and a Master of Education in Educational Management from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. He is also a licensed curriculum auditor, certified superintendent, and trained Baldrige Examiner.